Since she was a little girl, Maddie Herliczk, 16, has been going down to the end of the narrow and winding road known as Ray Peck Drive for Round Hill Beach, a popular destination for Dartmouth residents in the summer months with a unique sense of seclusion. 

However, the beach’s location also means it takes 15 to 20 minutes for first responders to arrive on scene. Therefore, in the event of an emergency, it falls on the lifeguards, like Herliczk, to handle whatever situation comes their way at Round Hill Beach until first responders arrive. 

“We’ve been told that we are going to have to be the primary responders in that case,” said Head Supervisor of Round Hill Beach Andrew Maitoza, 22. However, he’s assured “everyone here is trained well and up to standards.”

Herliczk said, “I feel honestly honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of having this job.”

Annually, the Parks and Recreation Department holds a training session of simulated scenarios with the help of the District 1 Fire Department, according to Parks Director Tim Lancaster.

The groups go through several missions and are able to work on strengthening communication between the two parties.

Held on June 19 this year, Herliczk highlighted how “real” the scenarios feel, adding, “I think it was good to have that experience, even though I wasn't necessarily expecting it.” 

Additionally, lifeguards are required to complete four hours of training every month to ensure they are on top of their response skills, according to Maitoza.

Maitoza said in his six years as a lifeguard, there was only one close call at Round Hill Beach. 

“Luckily, nothing too serious,” he said. “We once almost had to shut the beach down because we thought a kid was missing, but he ended up being at the food truck so it was all OK.”

Lancaster explained that although Round Hill Beach is more popular with locals, who oftentimes learned to swim early on in their lives, situations can and have happened. 

The collaboration with the fire department ensures both parties are on the same page when it comes to responding to incidents. 

Lancaster said the town currently has 15 lifeguards across its three beaches, but would typically prefer to have a staff of about 20. Though applications are closed for the year, Lancaster encourages those interested to contact the Parks and Recreation Department through the town website.

There have been no significant changes to the beaches this year, he added, but wants to remind the community of the importance of listening to the lifeguards.

“They're in charge and what they say is to be followed — that's how this works,” he said.